What is the name of the condition characterized by incontinence when sneezing or laughing?

The condition characterized by incontinence when sneezing or laughing is known as stress incontinence. This type of incontinence occurs when physical activities that increase abdominal pressure—such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising—stress the pelvic floor muscles and the urethra. When these muscles are weakened, they may be unable to maintain closure of the urethra during such activities, leading to involuntary leakage of urine.

Stress incontinence is distinct from other types of incontinence such as urge incontinence, where the individual experiences a sudden and intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine, often stemming from bladder overactivity. Overflow incontinence involves the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to leakage due to overdistension. Although urinary incontinence is the overarching term that encompasses all types, stress incontinence specifically describes the leakage that occurs with physical exertion.